Go Back
Whipped tofu dressing
Print Recipe

Spring Vegetables with Whipped Miso Tofu

Blanched snap peas and tender carrots are tossed with a whipped miso-tofu cream brightened with lemon. A softened, seasonal take on the traditional Japanese tofu-dressed vegetable salad (Shira-ae) - brightened for March. Beautiful on spring lettuces and spinach too.
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: quick, Spring, vegan
Servings: 2 sides
Calories: 160kcal

Ingredients

For the vegetables:

  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 large carrot, julienned or shaved into ribbons
  • handful of blanched asparagus tips optional but recommended

For the tofu dressing:

  • 7 oz firm tofu, drained
  • 1-2 tbsp white miso to taste 💗
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice to taste
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup optional
  • pinch sea salt
  • pinch of dashi granules or seasoning see link below*

To finish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu Base

  • Wrap tofu in a clean towel and gently press 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
    Blend tofu, miso, tahini, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and airy. Taste-it should feel creamy, lightly tangy, not heavy. If needed, add a little water (or mirin for sweetness) to get the smoothness.
    Chill while preparing vegetables.

Blanch the vegetables

  • Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
    Blanch snap peas 1-2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to ice water. Drain.
    If using asparagus, blanch briefly as well.
    Leave carrots raw for freshness, or blanch 30 seconds for a softer texture.

Assemble

  • Gently fold vegetables into the whipped tofu dressing. Do not overdress - it should lightly coat, not smother.
    Finish with sesame seeds and black pepper.
    Serve slightly chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

Nutritional info per serving:
serves 2-3 as a side
Calories:  140-165  Protein:  7-8 g  Carbs:  12-14 g  Fiber:  3-4 g  Fat:  8-9 g
Beauty notes🌸
  • Tofu for plant protein + calcium for skin and bone support
  • Miso for fermented compounds for gut balance
  • Snap peas & carrots for vitamin C and beta-carotene for collagen
  • Sesame contributes trace minerals & healthy fats
*Kayanoya Dashi Infused Umami Sea Salt